Mary Azcuenaga

Mary Laurie Azcuenaga (born July 25, 1945) is an American attorney who served from 1984 to 1998 as a member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). As of 2017, Azcuenaga is one of just three political independents to serve on the FTC.

Early life and career Born to a family of Basque-American descent, Azcuenaga was born on July 25, 1945, in Council, Idaho. Azcuenaga received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University, graduating with a bachelor's degree (A.B.) in 1967.

In 1973, she graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with a J.D. degree. Azcuenaga began her career within the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), joining the agency as an assistant to the General Counsel in 1975.

Member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Azcuenaga remained in various legal roles within the FTC until 1984, when she was appointed to serve as a commissioner by President Ronald Reagan.

The Washington Post reported on her nomination by noting that as a political independent, she was seen as less conservative than the FTC's two Republican appointees. Additionally, it was noted that Azcuenaga was seen as a strong nominee owing to her being a woman of Hispanic background. However, the article noted that Azcuenaga "doesn't believe in using the Hispanic label for political advantage", with Azcuenaga herself stating "I've been told I count as a Hispanic... I'm proud of my Basque heritage." Azcuenaga was replaced on the FTC in 1999 by antitrust attorney Thomas B. Leary, a member of the Republican Party. As of 2017, Azcuenaga is one of just three independents to have served on the FTC, along with Philip Elman (who served from 1961 to 1970) and Pamela Jones Harbour (who served from 2003 to 2009).